Carleton University Partners with Cuso International to Help Farmers in Peru

Carleton University students are consulting with small-scale farmers in Peru as part of a partnership with the international development organization Cuso International

Students in the Bachelor of Global and International Studies program (BGInS) at Carleton University are gaining hands-on experience while improving food security in Peru thanks to an innovative partnership with Cuso International. The partnership, which began in January, is the first of what Cuso International hopes will be a new wave of e-volunteering opportunities for students at Carleton and across Canada.

Through this new program, 21 Carleton students are using Skype, email and other communication technologies to work with professionals and community leaders in Lima to help small farmers generate income in an urban setting. The students provide research and project design support, and develop strategies and products for the farmers.

“Carleton BGInS students have a unique opportunity to be exposed to international development opportunities and challenges through this program,” said Prof. Marylynn Steckley. “It’s a chance to acquire an enhanced global perspective and intercultural sensitivity and appreciation without having to take a semester off to travel abroad.”

The partnership helps Cuso International provide much needed support to its local partners in Lima, while building the next generation of volunteers through a unique e-volunteering model.

“Our partnership with Carleton is an innovative solution to development challenges,” says Cuso International CEO Glenn Mifflin. “At Cuso International, we’re always looking to support our partners through the work of skilled volunteers and this partnership allows for that while giving Carleton students a glimpse at how they can have an impact on people’s lives.”

Carleton is the first university in Canada to participate in this unique international development program for students. Cuso International hopes to use this model to work with other Canadian universities and international partners.

About Cuso International

Cuso International is a non-profit international development organization that works to improve the lives of people living with poverty and inequality around the globe. Each year we mobilize hundreds of volunteer professionals who work with local partners to create positive lasting change. Established in 1961, Cuso International is a registered charity in Canada and the United States.

About the Carleton University Bachelor of Global and International Studies

The Bachelor of Global and International Studies program is a multidisciplinary degree that offers 17 specializations covering specific international and global themes and geographical focal areas. To complete the degree, all students must satisfy a language requirement and an international experience requirement, in addition to their coursework.

As part of the international experience requirement, students can choose from a variety of learning opportunities, one of which is an “internationalization@home” course. This partnership with CUSO International allows Carleton to partner with an experienced development organization in the delivery of this course.